Dental care in adolescents: How you as parents can influence

Parents are very concerned about the dental health of their offspring. From the first little tooth, dental care is practiced and partly taken over by mom or dad up to school age - at least as far as brushing is concerned.

Gradually, however, your child will want to handle dental care completely on his or her own, which is perfectly fine. Nevertheless, between the ages of six and twelve, you may still kindly remind or ask whether your son or daughter has brushed his or her teeth.

At some point, however, all you'll get in response is eye-rolling. Your child has entered puberty.

During puberty, children increasingly distance themselves from their parents. They want more freedom and to take responsibility for themselves. The diet then looks like, for example, that sweets, potato chips or sugary soft drinks are increasingly consumed. They may also have their first experiences with alcohol and cigarettes.

Careful dental hygiene would now be more important than ever, but hardly any young people realize this. Teeth are often cleaned with much too short brushing times. After 30 seconds, the teeth have to be clean.

Dental care for teenagers: Tips for parents

As a parent, you can only control the dental care of your pubescent children to a limited extent. These tips can help to exert an influence nevertheless:

As a parent, be a role model for your children. Say, for example, that you will go brush your teeth after breakfast or wish them a good night in the evening with the words "I'm going to brush my teeth now and then go to bed". Show your child that dental care is a normal, everyday action in your daily routine.

Point out that three minutes of dental care can do a lot for your teeth and that part of growing up is taking care of your body.

Appeal to the vanity of many teens: cleaned teeth look good, you have fresh breath, bad breath is prevented.

Schedule regular checkups with the dentist and for professional teeth cleaning.

What dental problems teens should be aware of

During adolescence, there are times when your child is so out of it, but also moments when he or she is accessible.

You should use a "good moment" to draw attention to particular dental problems.

Orthodontics: Many teens need to wear braces or fixed brackets because their permanent teeth are crooked, too close together or crooked. Those who wear braces should clean their teeth especially carefully because many areas are difficult to reach and caries then has an easy game.

Nutrition: Eating and drinking properly is enormously important for dental health. Explain to your child that after eating sugar in drinks or snacks, dangerous acids are formed that attack the teeth. Make the offer to prepare healthy snacks for school.

Smoking: It's best if your child doesn't start smoking at all. In addition to the known health problems, nicotine can also darken teeth and lead to periodontitis, or inflammation of the gums.

Piercing in the mouth: if your child wants a piercing in the mouth, you should consult a dentist. Metal jewelry can chip teeth, chip enamel and injure gums. A dentist will help make a safe choice.